What is the retention period for undeliverable mail?

The retention period for undeliverable mail is 15 days. This timeframe is established to give senders an opportunity to retrieve their undeliverable mail or correct the delivery address. During this period, postal workers will attempt to determine the proper delivery point or contact the sender when applicable.

Letting mail sit for too long without resolution could impose additional handling costs and complicate the mail recovery process. After the 15-day retention period, undeliverable mail that remains unclaimed or unresolved is typically returned to the sender or disposed of, depending on the mail's nature and applicable regulations.

This time window is key to ensuring efficient mail service while also providing a reasonable chance for resolution for both the senders and the postal service.